I didn’t want the fame or recognition in the tech world or the amputee world. I was plenty rich, but there was nothing in Ontario for me other than her. And soon, even that faded.
Moving here, my only thought was to be close to my parents as they got older. Buying the Thunder wasn’t a part of any plan, but when the opportunity came up, I suddenly had a purpose. I had something that mattered to me, and I don’t regret taking that leap.
“Thanks, Dad.”
He slaps my back a couple times and we step back. “Let’s go save your guys from your mother’s nagging, shall we?”
We move into the late fall sunshine, which may be bright, but isn’t exactly warm. Still, I squint and wish I had worn sunglasses. Moving through the crowd, I greet the players and staff I recognize, introduce myself to those I don’t, and try not to be too obvious in looking to see where Isla is.
“Luca, good to see you.”
I smile at Rafe and take his outstretched hand. “You too. Thanks for coming out today.”
He places his free hand on the lower back of a smaller woman with a head of unruly red hair. “This is my wife, Imogen,” he states proudly, and the love he feels for her is evident in that simple sentence.
“Great to meet you. Thanks for being willing to relocate so we could get your husband on board,” I joke, shaking her hand, too. That earns me a peal of laughter.
“Are you kidding? I should be thanking you for getting him out on the diamond again. Seven years of retirement was enough for this guy, he was starting to drive me crazy.”
Rafe leans over and kisses the side of her head. “Yeah right, as if you weren’t enjoying having me around. And don’t tell me you didn’t love spending six months traveling Europe. That wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t retired, you know.”
Imogen pats his chest as she rolls her eyes my way. “Yes, there are some perks. But you need to work, and you need to be on the field. Besides, I love it over here.” She gives me an excited grin. “We found an adorable house in the next town over, Dogwood Cove. It’s such a lovely town. And the commute isn’t so bad for Rafe. I wasable to get a job here in Cedar Creek as well, so it all just worked out perfectly.”
“I’m glad to hear it. If you haven’t already, visit The Nutty Muffin. It’s got the best baked goods in town,” I say, just as I spot Isla off to the side. It wouldn’t be weird for me to say hi, would it? If anything, it would be weird if I didn’t.
What’s also weird is how this one woman has me feeling like a nervous teenager with his first crush.
“You eat pastries?” Rafe says teasingly. “I thought you were all about the organic healthy life. At least, that’s what Dom said when I suggested bringing donuts to our last meeting.”
I laugh. “He’s not wrong. I’m not big on desserts. But I’m a sucker for Nutella, and they have a Nutella-filled puff pastry that is a once-in-a-while indulgence. And I’ve heard from others that their muffins are worth getting up early for, since they sell out fast.”
It’s a struggle not to be obvious in how I track Isla as she talks to one of the interns hired to help with the relaunch.
“It was great meeting you, Imogen. Make sure you get some food before the players demolish it all.” I grin, gesturing to the long table filled with snacks that, sure enough, is surrounded by half the team.
I make my way over to Isla’s side, politely ignoring anyone who tries to stop me. When I reach her, she’s chatting with Dom, of all people. But his arms are folded across his chest, and his face doesn’t exactly scream open and welcoming, making some rarely-used protective instinct inside of me fire. I know he doesn’t fullytrust that she’s the right candidate for the job, but he trusts me. So he better not be giving her any shit.
“I see you’ve met the thorn in my side,” I say, reaching the two of them. Isla startles, and Dom snorts. “I mean him, of course.” I toss Isla a casual smile. “He’s my best friend and holds the reins on what we can spend, so it’s best to stay on his good side.”
Isla purses her lips like she’s trying not to smile back. “I’ll keep that in mind when I start working up budget proposals.”
“You make it sound like I’m a cheapskate, when all I’m trying to do is make sure we have enough money to pay the players when the season starts,” Dom injects drily.
Isla’s smile breaks free but only for a second and I clench my jaw, trying not to react, even if I am suddenly filled with a desire to see it again.
“Don’t worry, Dom, I happen to be very good at finding cost-efficient ways to deliver high-impact results.”
Fuck, hearing her talk about her work shouldn’t turn me on.
“Good.” Dom’s gruff reply has me turning a frown on him, hoping Isla doesn’t notice. But the asshole doesn’t look at me, and continues, still staring at Isla. “We’ve got some pretty high expectations for what we want to achieve over the next nine months. Think you’ll be able to give everything it’ll take?”
“I think you’ll find I’m more than capable. I’ve surpassed high expectations before, and I’ll do it again,” comes Isla’s equally direct reply.
I clap my hands together, and plaster on a grin. “Listen, you two, we’re gonna do whatever it takes to make Cedar Creek fall in love with the Thunder again.”
“Go team,” Isla says weakly, but she’s smiling, and Dom seems to have softened, so I’ll take it.
“That’s right. Go team.”
